Hat brim pressing machine



March 27, 1934. J, L CARD HAT BRIM PREssING MACHINE Filed Jan. l2. 1931 Cttornegs.

Patented Mar. 27, 1934 UNITED STATES HAT BRIM PRESSING MACHINE John L. Card, Syracuse, N. Y., assignor to United States Hoffman Machinery Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corperation of Delaware Application January 12,

14 Ciaims.

This invention pertains to a hat brim pressing machine and the main object of the same is to provide a simple structure which will conform and press the brim oi a hat against a support of the desired size and contour.

A further object of the invention is to provide a press wherein brim supporting flanges of diiferent sizes may be employed in the same machine, the structure being such that the pressing lelement will readily conform the brim of the hat to the brim flange and press it against the same.

A still urther object of the invention is to provide means for heating the flexible brim conforming element.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a special means for supporting the pressing member and its associated elements so that it may be readily raised and lowered and turned to one or another side away from or toward the brim support as may be desired.

With these and other objects in view, reference will be had to the annexed drawing, where- Figure 1 is a sectional elevation or the machine;

Figure 2, a transverse horizontal section taken on the line II-I1 of Figure 1 and showing, more particularly, the means employed to control the position of the support for the pressing element with reference to the stand upon which the brim block is mounted;

Figure 3, a Vertical sectional view taken on the line III-- of Figure 2 also illustrating the connection between the standard or support and the arm which carries the pressing element; and

Figure 4, a fragmentary detail oi a portion of 'the dome-shaped pressing element and the actuating lever designed to elevate the same.

In the drawing, 1 denotes a base to which there is secured an upstanding post or standard 2. In the broader aspect of the invention the post or standard might be secured to a table top but as that forms no part of the present invention such a showing is not made.

Mounted for adjustment longitudinally of the standard 2 is a table 3, the table having a hub 4 encircling the standard and designed to be secured in its adjusted position by suitable means as set screws 5. The table 3 forms the support for a 11a-nge stand 6 upon which is removably mounted a brim flange 7. As will be appreciated by those slilled in the art, flanges of dif- `ferent shape and contour will be employed according to the hat being renovated.

In Figure 1 a hat is shown in position with reference to the stand and flange. The crown of the hat, denoted by 3, extends downwardly through the flange and into the stand, and the brim oi the hat, denoted by 9, overlies the upper edge of the brim flange 7. The parts are shown 1931, serial No. 508,306

in Figure 1 with the brim being pressed by the flexible pressing element over and against the upper edge o1 the brim flange by means shortly to be described.

Mounted upon the upper portion of the standard or column 2 is a collar 10, said collar being secured to the standard by set screws, as 11. The upper face of the collar is provided with a slot 12, which slot is formed concentric with the axis of the standard 2 and extends around the same through a distance of '270 or thereabouts. The ends of the slots terminate in what might be termed the forward portion of the collar or that which extends outwardly or over the table 3.

Mounted upon the upper end of the standard 2, above the collar 10, is a socketed Vmember or hub 13 formed as an integral portion of an arm 14, which latter supports the pressing element and its allied parts.

Hub 13 lies upon collar 10 and is provided with a downwardly extending arcuate lug 15 which ts into the slot 12. The lug 15 is designed to work in conjunction with a stop screwl mounted in the collar 10 and extending through the slot, the stop screw being mounted in one or another of a pair of openings arranged at right angles, or

approximately so, to each other in order that the lug 15, and consequently the hub 13 and arm 14, may be swung either to the right or left Vaccording as the stop screw is positioned in one or another of the openings as shown in Figure 2. This arrangement permits the brim pressing means about to be described to be swung to one side clear of the brim ange.

The outer end of arm 14 is provided with a vertically disposed *hub or bearing 17 through which extends a rod 18 having attached thereto above its lower end, by a pinY 28, a dome or bellshaped element denoted generally by 19. This element is preferably oval in cross section and at its lower edge is provided with a bead 20.

Extending loosely across the open lower portion of .the bell-shaped member 19, or what may be termed the mouth thereof, is a diaphragm preferably produced from an outer fabric layer 21 and an inner layer 22 of asbestos or othersuitable non-burning material. The edge of these layers or sheets is passed under a band 23 yand clamped thereby around the head 20 and against the body of the bell-shaped member by suitable screws 24. Overlying the inner element 22, and attached thereto, is 4a flexible electrical heating element or pad 25, said pad being preferably annular in form and slightly wider than the widest .brim ange that would be employed in the machine.

Dome 19 will be provided with slots or ventilating openings 26 in the upper vportion thereof. It is also provided with laterally extending lugs 27 between which is mounted aroller 27a which bears against the column 2, said lugs, along with the CTI arm 14 and rod 18, tending to properly position the dome-shaped member with reference to the brim flange.

Rod 18 at its lower end is hollow and mounted i therein is a coiled spring 18a which at its lower end bears against the head 18h of a rod extension or plunger 186, the latter passing freely through ss hollow plug 18'J1 screwed into the lower end of rod 18. As will be seen, the lower end. of the plunger 1SC is reduced in diameter and passes through eyelets 18e and 18f secured in the elements 21 and 22, respectively.

A split ring 18' is threaded through a hole formed in the lower end of the element 18c below the eyelet 18f, thus securing the elements 21 and 22 to the member or element 18C.

A pair of links 29 and 30 are pivotally attached at their lower` ends to a central portion or hub 31 formed upon the dome, the links at their upper ends being pivoted to the lower end of a lever 32,

the lower end whereof is bifurcated. Said lever 32 is pivotally mounted upon the hub 17, as at 33. At its upper end the lever is provided with a handle 34. This arrangement, as will be appreciated upon ""f reference to Figure 1, allows the dome-shaped member and the associated parts to move freely in a downward direction and carry the pressing cloth 21 into direct contact with the brim 9 of the hat imposed upon the brim ange 7. The weight of the parts is sufficient to insure the necessary pressure upon the brim. To prevent undue pressure being exerted a stop 35 is formed upon the lever 32 above the fulcrum 33 and contacts the rod 18 when the parts assume the position shown in Figure 1.

When the handle 34 is moved to its full down position the links 29 and 30 and the bifurcated lower portion of the lever 32 pass each other and the pivotal connections are brought into alignment or slightly beyond the straight line so that the dome 19 will be held in its elevated position, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure l.

A pair of lugs 36, see Figure 4, are formed upon vthe upper surface of the dome-shaped member 19, said lugs cooperating with a lug 37 formed upon the lever 32. This latter lug 37 passes in between the lugs 36 when the dome is elevated through a downward movement of the handle 34, the lugs engaging the handle and taking up any thrust the operator might impart to the handle and lever system when swinging the dome 19 into and out of operative position with reference to the hat flange.

In operation, and assuming that the parts are in the dotted line position shown in Figure l with the dome or presser head elevated and thrown to one side of the table 3, the Voperator will place the desired brim flange '7 upon the flange stand 6. The hat is then positioned with the crown extending down through the ange and stand with the brim overlying the upper edge of the flange. The operator then swings the head or dome around until it comes in alignment with the hat and flange, this being determined by the arcuate lug 15 contacting the screw 16 which will arrest the swinging motion of the head. The operator then raises the handle 34 and in so doing moves the lower end of the lever 32 and the links 29, 30 out of their locking relation, permitting the dome-shaped member 19 to move downwardly by gravity and carry the member 21 and its associated parts into direct contact with the brim 9. The weight of the member 19, together with the action of the spring pressed rod 18c is all suiicient to press the brim and in effect produce a cushioning action thereon.

By reason of the fact that plunger 18c extends downwardly to a point below the upper face of the brim flange 7 the central portion of the diaphragm 21 will always be carried downwardly to a point slightly below the upper face of the flange 7 thus insuring pressure upon the inner portion of the brim 9. In this manner the diaphragm, which is heated, will closely hug the brim of the hat without placing undue strain thereon and the contact between the diaphragm and the hat brim may be maintained as long as necessary or desired or until the brim has been dried in the shape imparted to it by the brim flange.

As will be seen, the diaphragm tends to drag the brim from substantially the center thereof outwardly toward its edge and towards its junction with the hat body and this takes place throughout the entire extent of the brim. After the necessary operation has been performed upon the brim the operator will pull down upon the handle and elevate the dome and the diaphragm, the dome being locked in its elevated position through the action of the links and the lever, as above set forth. When entirely free of the brim iiange it may be swung to one side out of the way in order that another hat may be placed upon the flange or another flange of different size Ior different contour placed upon the stand 6 preparatory to operating upon a different hat.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention presents a structure which will produce a pressing action comparable to that which takes place with the ordinary sand bag commonly employed in effecting the shaping of a hat. The weight of the dome 19 and the parts attached thereto is all sufcient to produce the necessary degree of pressure. Moreover, by reason of the fact that the flexible pressing element is heated electricaly, the heating may be regulated and maintained as desired. Such, however, is not true of the ordinary sand bag.

What is claimed is:

l. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a support for the brim -of a hat; a hollow member open at its lower side; a flexible sheet forming a pressing element secured to said member and extending transversely thereof; means for raising and lowering said sheet supporting member; and spring means directly associated with said sheet-supporting member for moving the central portion of the sheet to a point inward of the plane of the surface of the brim support independent of the movement of the hollow member.

2. A machine as set forth in claim l, wherein the means for depressing the central portion of the sheet comprises a spring pressed rod connected to the sheet.

3. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a support for the brim of a hat; a member open at its lower side, said member being movable toward and from said support and the opening in the lower portion thereof being larger than the support; a flexible sheet secured to the edge of said member and extending across the open portion thereof; spring means attached to the center of said sheet and to the member to which the sheet is attached for maintaining the central portion yof the sheet in a yielding relation to the sheet-supporting member; and means for moving said sheet-supporting member toward the brim support, whereby as said member is ist moved in such direction the sheet is drawn against and over a hat brim which may lie upon the support thereby conforming the brim to the support.

4. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a support for the brim of a hat; a hollow member open at its lower side; a sheet of flexible material forming a pressing element, said sheet being secured to the lower edge of said hollow member and extending transversely of the brim support, means for holding the central portion of the sheet in a yielding relation to the lower edge of the hollow member and inwardly thereof, said means being spring cushioned; and means for raising and lowering said hollow member and the sheet carried thereby.

5. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a vertically disposed standard; a table supported thereby and extending outwardly to one side thereof; a hat flange supported by said table; a hollow dome-shaped member open at its lower edge; a sheet of flexible material secured to the lower edge of said member and extending transversely thereof; a rod secured to the upper portion of said dome-shaped member, the lower end of the rod extending inwardly thereof; a spring pressed member carried by said lower end and secured to the central portion of the exible sheet; an arm mounted upon the upper end of the standard, said arm being formed with a socket to receive the upper portion of the rod aforesaid; and means for raising and lowering said dome-shaped member and the associated flexible sheet.

6. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a standard; a table extending outwardly to one side thereof; a hat flange supported by said table; pressing means adapted to contact a brim supported upon the flange; a rod extending upwardly from said pressing means; an arm mounted upon the upper end of the standard and provided at its outer end with an opening through which the rod freely extends; and means independent of the rod for raising and lowering the pressing means.

'7. A structure as set forth in claim 6, wherein the arm mounted upon the upper end of the standard is rotatable with reference thereto whereby when the pressing means is elevated it may be swung laterally away from the hat flange.

8. A hat brim pressing machine as set forth in claim 6, wherein the arm encircles the upper end of the standard and is supported by a collar secured to the standard, said collar and arm being provided with means permitting rotation of the arm with reference to the standard to move the pressing means into and out of alignment with the hat flange.

9. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a standard; a collar secured thereto adjacent its upper end, said collar having a slot formed in its upper face concentric with the axis of the standard; an arm provided with a hub at its inner end, said hub tting over the upper end of the standard and likewise being provided with a downwardly extending arcuate flange entering the slot aforesaid; means mounted in one or another of a pair of openings spaced at right angles to each other in the collar and located equadistant from each other and the ends of the slot, said means extending across the slot and standing in the path of movement of the arcuate flange; means for supporting the brim of a hat; means for pressing said brim against the brim support; and means associated with the outer end of the arm above mentioned for supporting and guiding the pressing means.

10. In a hat brim pressingmachine, the combination of a brim flange; means for supporting the same; pressing means coacting with the flange to press and form a hat brim thereover, said pressing means including a sheet of flexible material; and means for drawing said sheet taut including a spring pressed plunger connected to the central portion thereof.

11. In a hat brim shaping machine, the combination of a standard; a table secured thereto; a hat flange supported on the table; brim pressing means cooperative with the flange and embodying a dome-shaped member having guiding means cooperative with the standard; an outwardly extending arm rotatably mounted on the standard at the upper end thereof; arvertically extending rod mounted for movement in the outer end of the arm, said rod being connected to the dome-shaped member; a lever pivoted to the arm; at least one link connected to the lever and to the domeshaped member; and a pair of lugs extending upwardly from the dome-shaped member, the lever aforesaid passing inwardly between the lugs when the lever is rocked to raise the dome-shaped member.

12. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a support for the brim of a hat; a sheet of flexible material forming a pressing element, said sheet being of a size greater than that of the brim support; means for supporting said sheet in an extended position transversely of the brim support; an electric heater imposed upon the sheet throughout that portion at least which overlies the brim support; means for holding the central portion of the sheet within the body of the sheet-supporting means and inward of the margin of the brim support when the parts are in operative position; and means for securing a relative movement of said sheet and said brim support, one toward the other, whereby the brim is drawn by the sheet over the brim support and conformed thereto by the heated sheet.

13. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a brim flange; means for supporting the same; a hollow supporting member open at its lower side; means for securing relative movement of said member and the brim flange; a sheet of flexible material secured to the margin of said hollow supporting member and extending transversely thereof; means connected to and acting upon the central portion of the sheet to hold said portion inwardly of the edge of the hollow member aforesaid, said means being so positioned relative to the margin of the open member and to the sheet that as the sheet is tautened by direct contact with the hat brim it is caused by' said means aforesaid to directly conform said brim to the brim flange; and a flexible electric heater imposed upon that portion of the flexible sheet which overlies the brim flange.

14. In a hat brim pressing machine, the combination of a support for the brim of a hat; a domeshaped member movable toward and from said support, said member being provided with ventilating openings; a sheet of flexible material secured to the margin of the dome-shaped member and extending transversely thereof; and a flexible electric resistance imposed upon the inner surface of that portion at least of the flexible sheet which overlies the brim support.

JOHN L. CARD. 

